Barking is a natural method that a dog uses to communicate. Barking can be the result of a whole host of emotions, from happiness and work (hunting, herding), to fear and excitement and just plain boredom. Has your dog barked at you when you are on Facebook (attention barking)?! Some breeds bark far more than others: guarding and territorial breeds (like a terrier) tend to bark more than most dogs, while the Basenji is a breed that really doesn’t bark at all (the silent protester!). At one point or another, most dogs end up barking too much, disturbing everyone around them. This article will help you understand the causes of barking, and provide you with some tips to help get reduce your dog’s barking when it becomes excessive.
Dogs tend to be happy and will bark when happy, excited and ready to play. On the other hand, during a walk in the woods, a dog may hear a noise or see something that frightens them, which causes them to bark (called the lone call) to alert the “pack.” At home, a dog considers your property to be its territory and anything that wanders onto or near your home could cause a fit of barking. The poor mail letter carrier can set off many ‘bark-a-sauruses’ on their daily route!
Because dogs are social animals, when left alone, even for short periods, they can end up barking out of distress. Often, with separation anxiety, this leads to compulsive or habitual barking. Barking in an owner’s absence can be quite difficult to correct. A Veterinarian will be able to suggest a behavioral modification treatment plan in order to desensitize a dog to the separation from his/her owner.
If your dog is barking excessively, there are things you can do given time, a consistent approach and effort on your part. First of all, make sure they are fed and have enough water. Dogs, like people, can get grumpy when they’ve missed their meal. If you haven’t had a chance to take your dog for a walk, this may help release all the pent up energy they have. Most dogs need plenty of exercise to be physically and mentally happy. You may need to get more creative with your dog’s environmental enrichment, to include games, or longer walks (exercise in a fenced in yard doesn’t count!). It is important to make sure that your dog’s social, play and exploratory needs are met, in order to diminish the barking that is simply an attempt to get these resources.
Make sure not to shout or yell at your dog to stop barking. Most of us don’t realize we are reinforcing the barking when we yell to get them to stop! Attempting to lightly scold or even trying to calm your dog, actually means the barking was rewarded with attention. Eliminating barking includes identifying the trigger, avoiding or controlling the trigger, rewarding quiet behavior and avoid those reinforcing factors.
Taking an obedience class is an important foundation for control in all barking dogs. The trainer will help you gain more control over your dog’s behaviour, and this often leads to less barking. With your veterinarian, you can also discuss purchasing a special collar at pet stores that blast a jet of air or citronella when the dog barks. This does not hurt the animal, but teaches them over time to stop barking. This is a humane method and must be used along with the behavior modification and meeting your dog’s exercise needs.
As mentioned above, some dogs have a serious case of separation anxiety that can be very disruptive in a home. In this case, sometimes anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed by a veterinarian to help. Of course, this is only done in extreme cases when the above suggestions have been tried without success.
Every dog is different, and if excessive barking is bothering you, your family and neighbours, your veterinarian can review the situation and make recommendations to help.
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